Winnebago Industries Specialty Vehicle division, in partnership with Summit Bodyworks and Motiv Power Systems, has delivered what they say is the first all-electric mobile preschool in the world to Vail, Colo.
The so-called Magic Bus is a program of the Vail Valley Foundation’s YouthPower365, which provides year-round extended learning opportunities that empower and educate the youth and families of Eagle County, where Vail is located. The organization provides afterschool and summertime learning opportunities for those preschool age all the way up to college and beyond. The focus of the Magic Bus will be on the younger learners in the community.
Winnebago’s all-electric bus will join its gas-powered counterpart so that two buses will make the rounds through neighborhoods in Eagle County, Colo., four days a week beginning Oct. 5, 2020. Classes are an hour-and-a-half long and are free of charge, helping ensure that critical childhood learning is available to as many children and families in the community as possible.
“The children and families served by the Magic Bus need to be kindergarten-ready even considering the current crisis,” said YouthPower365 PwrUp Senior Manager Kendra Cowles. “The Magic Bus plays a critical role in preparing them to successfully transition to school.”
The Magic Bus is based on Winnebago Industries’ standard J33SE zero-emission commercial vehicle, utilizing Motiv Power Systems’ all-electric EPIC Ford F-53 chassis. Summit Bodyworks was responsible for the vehicle upfit. Significant road testing has been conducted on the vehicle, which houses six batteries and delivers up to 100 miles on a full charge. The Magic Bus is expected to see up to 85 percent operation and maintenance cost savings.
